dead end

Definitions

A street or passage that is closed at one end and has no exit.

A situation, course of action, or career that offers no prospect of progress or advancement.

Examples

We drove down the narrow street only to realize it was a dead end.

The investigation reached a dead end when the primary witness disappeared.

Synonyms

cul-de-sac blind alley impasse no-win situation deadlock standstill bottleneck

Antonyms

thoroughfare breakthrough open road opportunity progression gateway passage